Warwick Business School is supporting early-career business leaders with an innovative Accelerator MBA program
If you’re looking to join a top MBA with face-to-face learning, you’ll often need to take significant time out of work or have at least five years of work experience.However, there are alternative degree options that can level up your skill set and advance your management and leadership knowledge at an earlier stage in your career.
Warwick Business School (WBS) has created a new two-year program called the Accelerator MBA. Launching in March 2024, it’s aimed at early and mid-career professionals looking to progress to leadership roles or transition from specialist technical roles towards management.
Here are five ways an MBA aimed at those earlier in their career can prepare you to become a global leader.
1. Gain experience in a hybrid, dynamic environment.
Today’s world increasingly relies on technology and connecting with colleagues and clients through digital means.
Working in an era of digital connectivity means that global business leaders need to be skilful at virtual communication.
The Accelerator MBA at Warwick Business School provides a space for students to practice this skill. It's delivered in a hybrid format with 80% in-person learning and 20% online learning. There are also two digitally focussed electives you can choose from, Digital transformation and Big Data & Business Analytics, where you can uncover the trends, business models, and strategies to help you thrive in the digital economy.
Degree programs that provide in-person learning options allow students to connect with peers in a more personal way. These sessions can also form the basis of quality networking time.
Sarah Jackson is the Alumni and MBA Careers Manager at Warwick Business School.
“Students will be looking at high-performing teams and how mindset and understanding others’ communication styles can drive successful and happier teams,” she says.
2. Engage with business world experts in the dynamic city of London
The new Accelerator MBA will be based in the iconic Shard building, allowing for a bird’s eye view of London’s global business center while students learn from leading academics and senior businesspeople, known as Professors of Practice. Accelerator MBA students will benefit from their board-level management experience, a global network of business connections, and direct experience in developing successful careers.
Students can also network with WBS alumni who can offer personalized advice as well as connections with top companies.
“The CareersPlus and Employer Relations team work with Alumni Engagement to cultivate a wide alumni network. Alumni are often invited to networking events, which may include panel events with industry leaders and alumni guests,” says Sarah.
WBS has over 56,260 alumni from 171 countries who can guide you through your journey and help advance your career.
3. Receive personalized career guidance
While networking and skill enhancing courses are beneficial, career guidance and support are essential to accelerate your global leadership career.
The Leadership Accelerator module is unique to this MBA, and blends theory with careers interventions and practical application, to develop students’ leadership skills and acumen
Sarah discusses the comprehensive nature of the careers team and the personalized support the Accelerator MBA provides.
There are several topics discussed in the Accelerator MBA career workshops, including an exploration of the self, knowing your own values and motivations; career transitions, including resumes and cover letters; crafting a sustainable career; inter-cultural awareness; interview skills; and salary and benefits negotiation.
Career coaches are available on-demand in bookable individual appointments.
“These sessions will be mainly student-led, with the coaches using a mix of directive and non-directive styles to support students in identifying strategies for career planning and taking the next steps in their career progression,” she says.
4. Elevate your technical skill set
To develop as a business leader early on in your career, you need a stellar set of business skills.
To help students advance their skills, the Accelerator MBA offers theoretical and practical courses that allow MBAs to develop their managerial and leadership potential.
The first two modules are Organizational Behavior and Strategic Thinking, where students will look at the organization, its place in society, and the people in it.
Next, students will cover the core activities that make up the key functions of an organization: Operations Management, Corporate Reporting and Decision Making, Financial Management and Marketing.
The final two required modules, Leadership Accelerator and Innovation and Strategic Entrepreneurship will arm students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead an organization.
Students can personalize their MBA experience by selecting four elective modules that align with their goals.
Elective modules are undertaken alongside the Executive MBA and Global Online MBA students, providing another opportunity for Accelerator MBA students to widen their network.
One practical experience where students can apply their learning is the client-based consulting project, which develops students’ practical skills in stakeholder management and influence.
“The team works with over 200 employers, several of whom have offered opportunities for MBA students to conduct consulting projects with them. Some of these organizations offer fast-track opportunities for Warwick MBA students,” Sarah explains.
5. Gain global exposure
To advance a global business career, it’s important to increase your global network and better understand global companies.
One of the ways that the Warwick Accelerator MBA helps students achieve this is through offering opportunities to complete a required overseas elective module with a partner institution such as SDA Bocconi in Italy and Nova School of Business in Portugal.
Studying for an overseas business course is a great way for students to boost their knowledge of business operations in different countries or cultures, which will be crucial to becoming a successful future business leader.
Student Reviews
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
